Kyrsten Sinema

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Madam President, I was necessarily absent, but had I been present would have voted yes on rollcall vote 225, on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the nomination of James Ray Knepp II to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Ohio. I was necessarily absent, but had I been present would have voted yes on rollcall vote 226, on the Confirmation of James Ray Knepp II to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Ohio.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted yes on rollcall vote 201 on the Motion to Proceed to H.J. Res. 90, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency relating to ``Community Reinvestment Act Regulations''. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 202, on the Motion to Table the Appealing of the Ruling of the Chair; a bill to condemn gross human rights violations of ethnic Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, and calling for an end to arbitrary detention, torture, and harassment of these communities inside and outside China I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 203, on the Motion to Table McConnell Amdt. No. 2680; to improve the small business programs. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted yes on rollcall vote 204, on the Motion to Table the Motion to Proceed to S. 4675; a bill to amend the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 205, on the Motion to Proceed to Executive Session to Consider Michael Newman to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 206, on the Motion to Table the Appealing of the Ruling of the Chair; nomination of Michael Newman to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have no on rollcall vote 207, on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 178 with Amendment No. 2652; a bill to condemn gross human rights violations of ethnic Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, and calling for an end to arbitrary detention, torture, and harassment of these communities inside and outside China. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 208, on the Motion to Table the Appealing of the Ruling of the Chair; nomination or Michael Jay Newman, of Ohio, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 209, on the Motion to Table the Appealing of the Ruling of the Chair; nomination of Michael Jay Newman, of Ohio, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted yes on rollcall vote 210, on the motion to proceed to legislative session. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted yes on rollcall vote 211, on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination Michael Jay Newman to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 212, on the Decision of the Chair; Shall the Decision of the Chair Stand as the Judgment of the Senate. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted yes on rollcall vote 213, on the Confirmation of Michael Jay Newman, of Ohio, to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 214, on the motion to recess. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 215, on the motion to proceed to legislative session. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 217, on the motion to proceed to executive session to Consider the Nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 218, on the Motion to Table the Motion to Indefinitely Postpone the Barrett Nomination. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 219, on the On the Motion to Table the Motion to Recommit the Barrett Nomination to the Committee on the Judiciary. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 220, on the Motion to Table the Appealing of the Ruling of the Chair; nomination of Coney Barrett, of Indiana, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 221, on the Motion to Recess.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted yes on rollcall vote 182, on the nomination of Franklin Ulyses Valderrama, of Illinois, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois. Mr. President, I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted yes on rollcall vote 183, on the nomination of Iain D. Johnston, of Illinois, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois. Mr. President, I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted yes on rollcall vote 184, motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Edward Meyers to be a Judge for the United States Court of Federal Claims for a term of fifteen years.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the I life of Ronnie Lopez, a beloved men to, and community leader in Arizona. Lopez is intimately known around the Valley by many for his efforts championing public policies and civic engagement for Phoenix's Latino community. Born in the small mining town of Miami, AZ, Ronnie was raised alongside his two older brothers by his hard-working mother, who cleaned houses and worked in the area mines to provide for their family. Ronnie's professional career in Phoenix began in them id 1960s as a field representative for the Arizona State Civil Rights Commission, where he investigated discrimination allegations. Shortly after, Ronnie extended his expertise to Chicanos Por La Causa, an organization dedicated to supporting underserved Latinos in Phoenix, and was elected justice of the peace in West Phoenix. In 1978, Ronnie accepted a position to serve on the staff of Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt, where he championed better housing and education for the Latino community. In the many years that followed, Ronnie ran his own consulting firm--working with government leaders, businesses, and public campaigns to facilitate change for Arizonans in need. In what free time he had left, Ronnie endeavored to mentor many of Arizona's young public servants, some of whom serve as elected officials today. Above all else, those who had the pleasure of working with Ronnie will remember him for his selflessness. Please join me in honoring life of Ronnie Lopez, a devoted leader, mentor, and personal friend whose impact will not be forgotten.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of Dr. Gabriel Lopez-Plascencia--Dr. Lopez--a well-known physician from metro-Phoenix who practiced medicine for over six decades. Dr. Lopez was the primary physician for many low-income families living in Phoenix's underserved communities. Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Dr. Lopez attended the University of Guadalajara before eventually moving to the United States and enlisting in the Arizona National Guard as a medical officer. He served the Arizona Guard for 20 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Even the he continued to support and collaborate with the Guard through additional activations until the mid 1990s. In addition to his military service, Dr. Lopez made a point to make his services available to indigent populations in South Phoenix, where poverty has affected predominantly Latino communities for decades. As an active Mexican American, he was also one of the founding members of the Mexican American Chamber of Commerce in Phoenix. Dr. Lopez's community-oriented spirit, expertise, and dedication to service contributed to the health of many Arizona working families and allowed them to seek the American dream just as he did many years ago. Please join me in honoring the life of Dr. Gabriel Lopez-Plascencia, a passionate doctor, surgeon, and servant to Arizonans, who will be dearly missed. The impact Dr. Lopez has left in our hearts, his community, and our State will be felt eternally.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall vote 153, motion to proceed to the House message to accompany S.178, a bill to condemn gross human rights violations of ethnic Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang calling for an end to arbitrary detention, torture, and harassment of these communities inside and outside China.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of Michael McQuaid, an established figure of the Phoenix business community and a determined philanthropist dedicated to reducing homelessness in central Arizona. Michael's work to end homelessness began nearly three decades ago when he and his sons completed a community service project to serve meals to the homeless at the Andre House of Hospitality. He eventually became the group's first chairman of the board. In 2003, Michael combined his desire to alleviate the chronic homelessness in Arizona with his experience as a commercial real estate developer and president of JP Management to oversee construction of the Human Services Campus in Phoenix, a national model for holistic homelessness services. He went on to serve as the managing director of the campus and as president of its board of directors. Over the years, Michael also served on the boards of Maricopa County Association of Governments, MAG, Continuum of Care, the Lodestar Day Resource Center, the Arizona Housing Commission, the Valley of the Sun United Way's Ending Homelessness Advisory Council, Experience Matters, and Thunderbird Charities, among others. In 2010, Michael was recognized by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer with the State of Arizona's Lifetime Volunteer Award. In 2013, he was awarded the first Virginia G. Piper Trust Encore Career Award for his efforts to address homelessness in Maricopa County. Michael established a legacy of service in central Arizona that others will undoubtedly seek to match. I am certain that the love he shared for his fellow Arizonans will be felt for many years to come. Please join me in honoring the life of Michael McQuaid.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of Postmaster Humberto Trujillo Jr., ``Junior''. He was a beloved leader, coach, and Postmaster. Junior served others with dedication, and his impact will be felt for generations. Junior grew up in West Phoenix, where he attended Edison Elementary School and East High School. He was an avid athlete and went on to attend Phoenix College, where he played football, and spent over a decade coaching sports to the children in the community. Junior first worked for the postal service as a masonry foreman who helped construct the Phoenix Main Post Office. As a 31-year veteran of the Postal Service, Junior used his skill and expertise to rise through the ranks of the service. In 2015, Junior accepted the position of Phoenix Postmaster, leading the staff of the same post office he helped build many years ago. Junior will be deeply missed by his family and the community who shared in his love. Please join me in honoring the life and service of Postmaster Humberto Trujillo, Jr.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of Manuel ``Manny'' Cisneros, a dedicated public servant and advocate for indigent and Latino communities across Arizona. Manny committed his life and career to community building and equal rights empowerment for Arizona's most vulnerable. As a native of Somerton, AZ, Manny studied at Arizona Western College and went on to pursue a juris doctor degree at both Harvard University and the University of California Berkley School of Law where he received his juris doctor in 1984. Manny would serve as the coordinator of public health for the city of San Francisco, CA, before returning to Arizona to serve as the magistrate and assistant city manager of the city of San Luis. Under Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Manny was appointed to lead the Executive Office of Equal Opportunity. He would also serve as the director of the Governor's Fair Housing Office. Manny also dedicated a significant portion of his life to organizing and advocating for Latino voting, education, and fair housing rights. He served as chairman of the Maricopa County Democratic Party and as a delegate to the 1996 and 2000 National Democratic Conventions. I had the pleasure of working with Manny during the early years of my career and I was always impressed by his kindness and dedication to ensuring every Arizona family had access to affordable and safe housing. As a humble public servant and Latino rights champion, the impact Manny has left in our hearts, his community, and our State will be felt for generations to come. His wife Beatriz and sons Jose and Daniel will be in my thoughts. Please join me in honoring the life of Manny Cisneros.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Lt. Col. (Ret.) James ``Rusty'' Mitchell on his retirement from the Community Initiatives Team--CIT--at Luke Air Force Base in my home State of Arizona. Rusty first joined the Air Force in 1976 and spent years serving his country around the globe. Rusty also spent a significant amount of his Air Force career at Arizona military installations, serving as an A-10 jet instructor at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and having several different roles at Luke Air Force Base involving the F- 16 fighter jet. He retired from the Air Force in 1998 after 22 years of service to his country. Rusty still had a desire to fly, so after his retirement from the Air Force, he became a captain for United Airlines, a career that he enjoyed and continued for 21 years before retiring from that role last year. But despite becoming a pilot for United, it became clear that Rusty wasn't ready to end his service to the Air Force. In 2003, Rusty became the director of the Community Initiatives Team at Luke Air Force Base. In this role he served as a liaison between the U.S. Air Force, Luke Air Force Base, the State of Arizona and 11 of the local cities and municipalities surrounding the base. He played a vital role in helping Luke Air Force Base secure the F-35 training mission, bring critical jobs to the State and boosting the local economy. Furthermore, Rusty has been personally helpful to me and my staff in our official visits to Luke Air Force Base, numerous inquiries and countless requests for information. Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Mitchell has served this country, the Air Force, and Luke Air Force Base as an airman and civilian for almost 40 years, and he will be missed. On behalf of the U.S. Congress and the State of Arizona, I want to thank Rusty for his service and congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall Vote 112, motion to invoke cloture on confirmation of Michael Pack to be Chief Executive Officer of the Broadcasting Board of Governors. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall Vote 113, confirmation of Michael Pack, of Maryland, to be Chief Executive Officer of the Broadcasting Board of Governors for the term of three years. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted yes on rollcall Vote 117, motion to invoke cloture on Gardner Amendment No. 1617. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no on rollcall Vote 123, confirmation of Justin Reed Walker, of Kentucky, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. I was necessarily absent but had I been present would have voted no rollcall Vote 124, motion to invoke cloture on Cory T. Wilson, of Mississippi, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the esteemed career and public service of Mr. Peter M. Hayes, who is retiring as associate general manager and chief public affairs executive of the Salt River Project, or SRP. The Salt River Project is the Nation's third largest public power utility. It manages an extensive system of dams, reservoirs, wells, canals, and irrigation laterals, providing water and electricity to more than 2 million people in metropolitan Phoenix. As associate general manager and chief public affairs executive, Mr. Hayes has not only been integral in providing utilities to Arizonans' homes; he has also supported many issues that have advanced Arizona's economy, including the expansion of public education, the development of transportation systems, and the construction of infrastructure necessary to support Arizona's sports and tourism industries. Mr. Hayes has also served as chairman of the board of the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute, the chairman of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, a trustee of the Arizona Science Center, a member of the Dean's Advisory Board of the Arizona State University Barrett Honors College, and a member of the Arizona Commission on the Arts. He served as an aide to the former Minority Leader and Arizona Congressman John J. Rhodes, as Deputy Director of Congressional Liaison for two Secretaries of the Interior, and as chief of staff to former Arizona Governor Fife Symington. In both the public and private sectors, Mr. Hayes has been a leader in public policy. He has wielded his expertise and vision to manage a wide array of energy and water issues to benefit the State of Arizona. I thank Mr. Hayes for his years of dedicated work and public service on behalf of Arizona.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life and legacy of Lawrence ``Larry'' Hammond, a tireless advocate for justice who passed away in Phoenix, AZ, on March 2, 2020. Larry was a respected attorney and the senior partner of the investigation and criminal defense group at Osborn Maledon in Phoenix. Throughout his career, he worked to defend the wrongly accused and marginalized. Larry founded the Arizona Justice Project in 1998 while he was a member of Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice. The organization focuses on representing indigent Arizona inmates whose claims of innocence or manifest injustice have gone unheeded. Under Larry's leadership, AJP has received over 6,000 requests for assistance and currently handles 40 to 50 cases in post-conviction proceedings. Larry's legal career was legendary. After earning his juris doctor at the University of Texas, he served as clerk to Judge Carl E. McGowan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, as well as Supreme Court Justices Hugo Black and Lewis Powell, Jr. In the 1970s, he represented the NAACP in their effort to desegregate Tucson schools. He was also a special prosecutor during Watergate and helped negotiate the release of American hostages in Iran while he served as a first deputy attorney general in the Office of Legal Counsel. Not surprisingly, Larry received many prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Department of Justice's Exceptional Service Award in 1980 and the American Inns of Court in 2013. He was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2013. I had the honor of meeting Larry when I was a law student at Arizona Student University and worked with the Arizona Justice Project. Larry was a generous mentor, a studious researcher, and a fierce defender of the Constitution. I will miss him dearly. Larry is survived by his wife Frances, their children, Brooke, Blake, and Amanda, and nine grandchildren. He will be missed by other family members, friends, and the entire Arizona legal community. Please join me in honoring his memory.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Madam President, I rise today to honor the esteemed career and public service of Dr. William Wallace Covington, who is retiring as regents' professor of forestry at Northern Arizona University, NAU. As founder and director of NAU's Ecological Restoration Institute, Dr. Covington's research has substantially contributed to our understanding of the conditions necessary to maintain healthy forest ecosystems. His demonstrations that selective thinning and controlled fires may mitigate more intense, destructive fires have undoubtedly helped save significant swathes of southwestern ponderosa pine forests, including those found in Arizona. Dr. Covington was recognized as an Outstanding Teaching Scholar by NAU, and received the Biswell Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Fire Ecology, has testified before both congressional and State natural resource committees and advised a former Chief of the U.S. Forest Service and former Secretary of the Interior. Dr. Covington's dedication to novel research and evidence-driven outcomes has been essential in safeguarding our communities from uncontrolled fires. I thank Dr. Covington for his years of dedicated work and public service on behalf of Arizona, the Southwest, and the American people. I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record a letter from Bruce Babbitt recognizing Dr. Covington.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Chief Justice, I submit a question to the desk for the President's counsel on behalf of myself, Senator Manchin, Senator Murkowski, and Senator Collins.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Chief Justice, I submit a question to the President's counsel.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Madam President, I rise today to address one of the biggest concerns facing everyday families in Arizona: making healthcare more affordable and maintaining critical healthcare protections. Sometimes the issues discussed on the Senate floor appear far removed from the concerns of everyday Americans, but not today. Today's debate focuses the Senate's attention on the most important issue for many Arizonans and offers elected officials the opportunity to reject partisan political games in favor of commonsense solutions. Not long ago, insurance companies were allowed to deny care or overcharge Americans based on the fact that those Americans had been sick before or had been born with a chronic condition. Arizonans who had been previously treated for skin cancer or diabetes were told that no insurance company would cover them or that the insurance plans they purchased would not cover their preexisting conditions, despite promises of comprehensive coverage. Beyond major illnesses, Arizonans with even common conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, and even acne, were denied the coverage they needed. Until recently, insurance companies had also been allowed to charge consumers high prices for insurance plans only to leave out coverage for essential health benefits that virtually all Americans eventually need, such as prescription drug costs, ambulance costs, and hospital stays--critical needs that consumers rightly expect will be covered. Insurance is supposed to be there when people need it. Hard-working Americans who play by the rules and pay their monthly premiums shouldn't have the rug pulled out from under them at the very moment they need healthcare. That is why such discrimination against people with preexisting health conditions is now banned and why health insurance plans are now required to cover essential health benefits. That is why it is so disturbing that the administration and some Members of Congress have begun moving backward, allowing insurance companies to again sell plans to Americans that lack the very health protections consumers need. Congress has a lot of work to do to make healthcare affordable and protect access for American families and businesses, from lowering premiums to stopping surprise medical billing, but partisan approaches will not solve these challenges. We can and must work across the aisle to pass bipartisan solutions, such as increasing the number of doctors to address provider shortages, lowering costs for home health services, expanding mental healthcare, and eliminating the health insurance tax. I have partnered with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to sponsor legislation that achieves these goals, but allowing insurance companies to return to their old practices will only hurt everyday Arizona families. These health plans lack key protections. They are often called junk plans and for good reason. Junk plans mislead Arizonans--selling something billed as health insurance when, in fact, it is better described as a bill of goods. When Arizonans who are sold these plans need to actually use the coverage they paid for, the rug gets pulled out from under them yet again. I hear from hard-working Arizonans on a daily basis who deserve access to critical health protections; Arizonans like Chantal, who has a preexisting autoimmune disease that without treatment would cause her to become blind; Arizonans like Corrine from Phoenix, whose daughter was born with a congenital heart condition--before the law protected people with preexisting conditions, Corrine's family was unable to find an insurer who would cover their family--and Arizonans like John from Casa Grande, who signed up for a plan that he was told covered preexisting conditions only to find out after he paid his first month's premium, that his particular preexisting condition wouldn't qualify for coverage. There are 2.8 million Arizonans under the age of 65 just like Chantal, Corrine, and John who live with preexisting health conditions. That is half of all nonelderly Arizonans whose healthcare is at risk. These Arizonans remind us exactly what is at stake and exactly what is wrong with partisan politics in Washington today. For too long, too many elected officials here have focused on how they can score political points to help them win the next election, all at the expense of the health and security of everyday families. Arizonans are rightly worried that the dysfunction and chaos they see coming from Washington could threaten their family's coverage, and that is unacceptable. It is time to get partisan politics out of Arizonans' healthcare. I call on both parties to quit the partisan games, come together, and stop the sale of junk plans that fail to protect people with preexisting conditions. We must protect access to healthcare for these millions of Arizonans and tens of millions of Americans, and we must make healthcare more affordable for everyday families. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on S.J. Res. 52. I yield the floor.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Madam President, today I wish to honor the career Col. Steven D. Weintraub Retired, a veteran, community leader, and member of my Veterans Advisory Council. Colonel Weintraub began his service in August 1987 and continued to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps in various Active-Duty and Reserve roles until his retirement in August of this year. He is highly regarded by his fellow marines as a devoted officer and proud Arizonan, eager to accept the call of duty. Colonel Weintraub's career of more than 30 years is distinguished by his commitment to public service. Upon completion of his basic training in August 1987, then-Private First Class Weintraub returned to Arizona State University to complete his bachelor's degree in order to enter the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course and receive a commission as a second lieutenant. In April 1992, then-First Lieutenant Weintraub deployed to Mogadishu in support of various humanitarian aid missions. In February 2003, while in the Marine Corps Reserves, then-Major Weintraub deployed to Kuwait, where he was responsible for the implementation and operation of expeditionary hose reel fuel systems during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In November 2004, then Major Weintraub selflessly volunteered to mobilize to Active Duty in order to return to Iraq. For his work as a command inspector general and G-4 with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, then-Major Weintraub was promoted to lieutenant colonel in June 2005 and eventually colonel in December 2011. From the time of his promotion until his retirement in August 2019, Colonel Weintraub continued to serve in various esteemed logistical command roles, strategizing the practical implementation of new technologies and ensuring that Marine installations around the world had what they needed to get the job done. For his courageous service, Colonel Weintraub has received the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and various other campaign medals, ribbons, and unit awards. Colonel Weintraub continues to serve his fellow soldiers as chief strategy officer for the Veteran Tickets Foundation, Vet Tix, a national nonprofit organization that provides free event tickets to veterans and servicemembers to help them reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, and stay engaged with local communities and American life. Please join me in honoring Colonel Weintraub's esteemed career and wishing him a joyful retirement.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Madam President, today I wish to honor the life and legacy of William V. Bidwill, who passed away in Phoenix, AZ, on October 2, 2019, at the age of 88. As the owner of the National Football League's Arizona Cardinals, Mr. Bidwill loved his faith, his family, and football. He will be fondly remembered as a principled leader and generous steward of his community. Bill began his career in football by joining the family business as a ball boy for the then-Chicago Cardinals. After graduating from Georgetown University, Bill returned to Chicago to assist his father with day-to-day management of the Cardinals. Bill oversaw the team's move to St. Louis in 1960 and took on full ownership of the team in 1972. In 1988, Bill moved the team to Arizona, where it has found a home among a dedicated and growing fan base. In his time as owner of the Cardinals, Bill took unprecedented steps to rearrange the team's front office to improve diversity across the organization, setting an example for other NFL franchises for years to come. Bill also founded Cardinals Charities in 1990 to support women, children, and minorities across Arizona. Cardinals Charities has donated more than $9.1 million to support these groups and other causes over the years. Bill is survived by his 5 children, 10 grandchildren, and 1 great- grandchild. He will be dearly missed by other family members, friends, the Arizona Cardinals organization, and hundreds of thousands of fans grateful for his work to bring the National Football League to Arizona. Please join me in honoring his memory.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, today I recognize the 40th anniversary of Univision Arizona. As one of Arizona's leading television networks, Univision Arizona has been on the front lines of delivering important news to our State, earning nationwide recognition by winning 23 Emmy Awards this year. Throughout its 40-year history, Univision Arizona has evolved and adapted to the needs of its viewers by crafting engaging content and shedding light on important stories that deserve to be heard. As the leading source of Spanish-language media and news in our State, Univision Arizona serves 1.6 million Arizonans through two television stations, four radio stations, and other digital and social platforms. With the fast-changing pace of news and technology, Univision Arizona has grown into an innovative news source, while maintaining and staying true to its original mission. Univision Arizona serve all Arizonans, especially the Hispanic community, which has richly contributed to our State. I am proud to recognize Univision Arizona's 40th anniversary milestone, while celebrating the contributions of Arizona's Hispanic community during Hispanic Heritage Month. Univision Arizona's mission, its dedicated reporters and staff, and the stories they share are truly representative of the profound and powerful role the Hispanic community plays in our State.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, I join my colleagues in opposition to cutting congressionally mandated support from critical military construction projects in Arizona, the United States, and around the world. This misguided effort takes $30 million away from Ft. Huachuca, home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, where all Army intelligence professionals train at least once in their careers. The $30 million was set to fund construction of a long-needed, new facility to protect and maintain equipment used to replicate the communications networks and threat displays of our adversaries. This investment is critical to ensuring our Army intelligence professionals receive the training they need to keep our country safe. Backfilling these cuts will likely delay several other needed projects at Ft. Huachuca and may lead to wasted taxpayer dollars as the cost of construction goes up over time. I recently saw firsthand how the training our soldiers receive at Ft. Huachuca is essential in preparing our country to respond to threats from Russia, China, and other bad actors around the globe. As we continue to counter terrorism, we must consider threats our adversaries pose across multiple domains--notably disinformation campaigns, cyber warfare, and conventional military operations. Our intelligence training mission at Ft. Huachuca is critical to our national security, and our intelligence soldiers deserve our full support. Ft. Huachuca is the largest employer in Cochise County, and the residents of Sierra Vista and the surrounding communities remain steadfast supporters of our brave servicemembers and America's intelligence mission. They know personally that taking $30 million from the base risks military readiness and our security. This misguided plan weakens our national security and will likely cost American taxpayers more money in the long-run, which is why I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have rejected taking money away from these important military projects. We all support the men and women of our Armed Forces and must work together to ensure they have the resources and support to do their jobs and keep us safe.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, I was necessarily absent, but had I been present, would have voted yes on rollcall vote 263, motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 403, Kelly Craft, of Kentucky, to be Representative of the United States to the UN General Assembly. I was necessarily absent but, had I been present, would have voted yes on rollcall vote 264, confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 403, Kelly Craft, of Kentucky, to be Representative of the United States to the UN General Assembly. I was necessarily absent but, had I been present, would have voted yes on rollcall vote 265, motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 5, Elizabeth Darling, of Texas, to be Commissioner on Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Health and Human Services. I was necessarily absent but, had I been present, would have voted yes on rollcall vote 266, confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 5, Elizabeth Darling, of Texas, to be Commissioner on Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Health and Human Services. I was necessarily absent but, had I been present, would have voted yes on rollcall vote 267, motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 174, Stephen Akard, of Indiana, to be Director of the Office of Foreign Missions, with the rank of Ambassador. I was necessarily absent but, had I been present, would have voted yes on rollcall vote 268, motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 246, Dale Cabaniss, of Virginia, to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management. I was necessarily absent but, had I been present, would have voted yes on rollcall vote 269, motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 294, James Byrne, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, I am honored to rise to deliver my maiden speech as the senior U.S. Senator from the great State of Arizona. I was sworn in to this distinguished body just over 6 months ago. I am incredibly honored and humbled to join only a dozen others who have had the honor of representing the great State 48 in the U.S. Senate, and I am filled with gratitude to the people of the State who have entrusted me with this duty. In continuing the work of leaders who have held the Senate seat, from Senators Barry Goldwater and Dennis DeConcini to, most recently, Senators Jon Kyl and Jeff Flake, I have pledged to uphold Arizona's proud tradition of putting country above party. Most new Senators deliver their maiden speeches soon after being sworn in. I have waited so I could use these 6 months to demonstrate to Arizonans, in actions more than words, exactly how I intend to serve our State in the Senate. I promised Arizona that I would do things differently than have others in Washington. Americans see a lot of chaos in this city. There is intense pressure from all sides to spend time and energy on every scandal, every insult, every tweet, and every partisan fight, and it is very easy to get distracted. It is the simplest thing in the world to line up on either side of a partisan battle. What is harder, though, is to ignore the chaos and get out of our comfort zones to build coalitions and get things done. I promised Arizona I would do the hard work, and that approach has produced results. In these first 6 months, two bills I have sponsored to improve protections and services for veterans have passed the Senate and the House, and they now await the President's signature to put them into law. These new measures expand American Legion membership to veterans across the country, protect veterans from scam artists, and help veterans achieve the dream of home ownership. Few efforts better illustrate my approach to service or are more worthy of our attention than that of the Somers family. As a Congresswoman, I shared the story of SGT Daniel Somers on the floor of the U.S. House, and I will now share that story for the first time on the floor of the Senate. Sergeant Somers was an Arizona Army veteran who served two tours in Iraq. He served on Task Force Lightning, an intelligence unit, and ran more than 400 combat missions as a machine gunner in the turret of a humvee. Part of his role required him to interrogate dozens of terror suspects. His work was deemed classified. Like many veterans, Sergeant Somers was haunted by the war when he returned home. He suffered from flashbacks, nightmares, depression, and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder--all made worse by a traumatic brain injury. Sergeant Somers needed help. He and his family did what all families who face similar challenges are urged to do--they asked for help. Yet, when the VA's answer came, it demonstrated exactly what happens when America's veterans are left behind. The VA enrolled Sergeant Somers in group therapy sessions--sessions he could not attend for fear of his disclosing classified information. Despite repeated requests for individualized counseling or some other reasonable accommodation to allow Sergeant Somers to receive appropriate care for his PTSD, the VA delayed in its providing him with suitable support and care. Like many veterans, Sergeant Somers' isolation got worse when he transitioned to civilian life. He tried to provide for his family, but he was unable to work due to his disability. He struggled with the VA bureaucracy. His disability appeal had been pending for more than 2 years without there having been any resolution, and he didn't get the help he needed in time. On June 10 of 2013, Sergeant Somers wrote a letter to his family. He wrote: I am not getting better. I am not going to get better. And I will most certainly deteriorate further as time goes on. He went on to write: I am left with basically nothing. Too trapped in a war to be at peace. Too damaged to be at war. Abandoned by those who would take the easy route and a liability to those who stick it out and thus deserve better. So you see, not only am I better off dead, but the world is better without me in it. This is what brought me to my actual final mission. On that day, we lost SGT Daniel Somers to suicide. Americans who return home from having served our Nation must always have somewhere to turn for support. I am committed to ensuring that no veteran feels trapped like Sergeant Somers did and that all of our veterans have access to appropriate mental health care. Sergeant Somers' story will sound too familiar to too many military families. Perhaps less common is the astonishing bravery that had been demonstrated by Sergeant Somers' parents, Howard and Jean, after their son's death. Howard and Jean are in the Senate's Gallery today, and I am so honored to have them here as I share their son's story. Howard and Jean were devastated by the loss of their son, and nobody would have blamed them if they had turned inward to deal with their grief, but they didn't. Howard and Jean faced the world and bravely shared SGT Daniel Somers' story, and they have created a mission of their own. Their mission is to ensure that Sergeant Somers' story brings to light America's deadliest war--the 20 veterans we lose to suicide in this country every day. While I served in the U.S. House, I worked closely with Howard and Jean to develop and pass into law the Daniel Somers Classified Veterans Access to Care Act, which is legislation that ensures veterans who serve in a classified capacity receive behavioral health services in an appropriate care setting. Now it is time to take the next innovative step in providing the support our servicemembers and veterans have earned, for servicemembers' loved ones are not always aware of the resources that are available to them--resources that can prove to be critical when those servicemembers encounter challenges during Active Duty or after their separations from the military. The Somers' family and I have worked over the past several months with the Department of Defense on new legislation to create a network of support for our military members. In May, I introduced the bipartisan Sergeant Daniel Somers Network of Support Act, which was cosponsored by my friend and colleague on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Republican Senator Thom Tillis. Our legislation requires each new servicemember be asked for the names of loved ones whom he or she considers to be part of his or her network of support. In return, the Department of Defense and the Red Cross will provide information about benefits and services that are available to military members. By engaging loved ones and families from the beginning, the Department of Defense can better prepare and equip our military families and friends to better understand military life, to notice when servicemembers are in need, and to help ensure that servicemembers get the right kind of assistance or care. We must do everything possible to empower family and friends, who are the first line of defense in our preventing suicide amongst our veterans and servicemembers. This commonsense solution could be a game-changer for the men and women who have risked their lives to protect our freedoms, for their isolation leads to tragedy. We have worked with Congressman Scott Peters, of California, who has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House. In working as a team across party lines, we successfully included our network of support legislation in the national defense bill that was passed by both the Senate and the House over the past few weeks. I am proud of this accomplishment, but we have so much more to do. When servicemembers transition from active service to veteran status, they face old and confusing regulations that can be difficult to navigate even for those who are able to care for themselves. We must ensure that veterans who receive care from the VA also have a network of support in place to help them thrive and prosper when they return to civilian life. I have spoken directly with VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, who expressed his support for extending the network of support to veterans, and I look forward to working closely with him to get it done. As we continue this work, I urge my colleagues to join me in expanding this critical program. We can help ensure together that all veterans have networks to turn to so they never have to face their challenges alone. The story of Sergeant Somers and his parents, the failure of the VA bureaucracy to provide the support this Arizona veteran needed, and the resulting tragedy is not a story that dominated the national headlines. It is not a political scandal, and it is not a partisan food fight to which Members of Congress are pressured to respond. It is not what reporters in the Capitol's hallways ask me about, and it is not what people tweet to me on a daily or on even an hourly basis. You will never see a push notification on your iPhone about legislation like ours. Yet this is the kind of work that matters. It matters to Sergeant Somers' parents, and it matters to veterans across my State. It matters to military families and to loved ones, and it matters to Arizona. It is exactly why, as Arizona's senior Senator, I will not spend my time focusing on areas of disagreement, because expending energy on the latest tweet, on the latest insult, and on petty politics simply doesn't move the needle for everyday people like the Somers. As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am fortunate to serve with Republican Chairman Johnny Isakson and Ranking Member Jon Tester--two Senators who demonstrate every day what can get done when leaders put aside their differences and work toward common goals. Our bipartisan legislation got this far thanks in part to support from Senators Isakson and Tester, as well as from the leaders of the Armed Services Committee, Chairman James Inhofe and Ranking Member Jack Reed. However, in this effort and in so many others, I sorely miss the leadership of the former Armed Services chairman and my personal hero, John McCain. So many of my colleagues in this body came to know and love Senator John McCain for his military heroism and for his years of leadership in the Senate. Back home in Arizona, Senator John McCain is also a hero for what he represented in public service. What Senator McCain said in his last speech in this very Chamber shapes my service to Arizona every day. He said: But make no mistake, my service here is the most important job I have had in my life. And I am so grateful to the people of Arizona for the privilege--for the honor--of serving here and the opportunities it gives me to play a small role in the history of the country I love. He went on to say: Merely preventing your political opponents from doing what they want isn't the most inspiring work. There's greater satisfaction in respecting our differences, but not letting them prevent agreements that don't require abandonment of core principles, agreements made in good faith that help improve lives and protect the American people. . . . What a great honor and extraordinary opportunity it is to serve in this body. Senator McCain talked of what is possible when the Senate works the way it was meant to work. He stood for everything we stand for as Arizonans: fighting for what you believe in, standing up for what is right even if you stand alone, and serving a cause greater than one's self. He taught us to always assume the best in others, to seek compromise instead of sowing division, and to always put country ahead of party. One of Senator McCain's last acts in the Senate was to shepherd last year's annual Defense bill into law--the same annual bill which, this year, includes our Daniel Somers Network of Support Act. I hope we are making Senator McCain proud with such important work. With Senator McCain's example lighting the way, and with the trust of the people of Arizona shaping my service, I recommit to ignoring political games and focusing on upholding Arizona values to get things done for the State and for the country I love. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, I rise today regarding the U.S. Senate's passage of S. 1749, the Protecting Affordable Mortgages for Veterans Act, by unanimous consent. The Protecting Affordable Mortgages for Veterans Act aims to preserve access to affordable VA mortgages for the millions of veterans and brave men and women in uniform in Arizona and around the country. Last year, Congress passed S. 2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, a bipartisan regulatory relief package for community financial institutions. Among other issues, this package sought to crack down on ``mortgage churning,'' a predatory practice wherein lenders push veterans over and over to repeatedly refinance their home, even when there is no clear benefit to doing so. With each refinance, the lenders take a fee. Veterans, on the other hand, enter into a cycle of debt where fees and interest rates cost more than the initial mortgage payments. To stop these predatory lenders and the practice of churning, S. 2155 put into place new requirements that must be met in order for a refinanced loan to obtain VA guaranty and securitization from Ginnie Mae, the U.S. Government corporation that helps lenders make more affordable mortgages to veterans, first-time home buyers, and low- income borrowers. Unfortunately, these new requirements were inconsistent with Ginnie Mae loan seasoning requirements. With implementation of reform, the new rules left approximately 2,500 VA-guaranteed loans ineligible for Ginnie Mae pooling, a move which seriously constrained lending. The unintended consequence of this measure put VA home loans out of reach and threatened to drive up future borrowing costs. The Protecting Affordable Mortgages for Veterans Act would correct this issue and maintain liquidity in the veteran home loan market so that veterans and their families can secure the safe, affordable housing they deserve. When they return home, veterans who defend our freedom with dignity and honor should receive the thanks of a grateful nation and opportunities to succeed as they transition to civilian life. That means delivering quality care at the VA, improving job and education opportunities, and ensuring affordable housing is within reach for Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Acclimating to civilian life is challenging enough without the threat of being scammed by predatory lenders. I want to thank my colleague from North Carolina, Senator Tillis, for working with me over the last several weeks to craft this bill. I also want to thank Chairman Crapo, Ranking Member Brown, Chairman Isakson, and Ranking Member Tester for their steadfast support in moving this fix expeditiously. Even in an era of divided government and historic gridlock, we are getting things done for Arizona. Now that this legislation has passed the U.S. Senate, I urge my colleagues in the House to quickly pass S. 1749 so it can be signed into law. Let's keep working together, Democrats and Republicans, to stand up for our veterans. Thank you.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life and legacy of the Honorable Stan Furman, a former Arizona State senator and community leader who passed away in Phoenix, AZ, on April 1, 2019, at the age of 87. Having spent his formative years in the Vista Del Mar Orphanage in Los Angeles, Stan developed a strong sense of family. While in the orphanage, Stan worked any job he could, and caddying at the Hillcrest Country Club gave him some great stories about George Burns, Milton Berle, Jack Benny and others. Stan served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 until l956 and was stationed in Japan during the Korean war. After his service, he moved to Mexico City, where he earned a degree in business and foreign trade from Mexico City College. There, he met his soulmate and wife of 58 years, Gloria. They married in Mexico City in 1960. The couple moved to California, where Stan worked for a fabric wholesaler, and they raised three children: Diane, Philip, and Susan. The family moved to Phoenix in 1969, where Stan opened and managed a new branch of the business. After their children left the nest, Stan and Gloria started a successful translation business, allowing them to travel to Mexico, China, Italy, Spain, and many other international destinations. Stan loved Arizona and wanted to serve his community, so he ran for the State senate in 1990. He served in the Arizona State Senate from l991 to 1995. After he retired from elected office, he continued to serve on many boards and commissions and worked for the Arizona Corporation Commission. In 1998, Stan was named Mediator of the Year by the Phoenix Community Mediation Program. Long active in the Arizona Civil Liberties Union, Stan served as Arizona ACLU president from 2002 to 2006 and was honored to be named Arizona Civil Libertarian of the Year in 1995. He also served for several years on the National ACLU board of directors. Stan was an avid tennis player and golfer, quick-witted, and a natural joke teller. He loved crossword puzzles, Boggle, and all word games. He immensely enjoyed playing board games and online games with his children and grandchildren. He loved going to the beach while enjoying time at the family's vacation home in Rocky Point, Mexico. Stan is survived by his loving wife, Gloria, daughters Diane (Randy) and Susan, son Phil (Deb), grandsons Spencer, Dylan, Nate, Harrison, Alex (Jessi), Hugo and Oscar, and great-granddaughter Cheyanne. He will be dearly missed by other family members, friends, and the hundreds of people whose lives she touched. Please join me in honoring his memory.